The hallmark of any cosmopolitan city, Irish pubs are a place where you can always depend on getting something reliable — warm food, strong drinks, and a convivial atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, San Francisco and the broader Bay Area have no shortage of Irish pubs, and we've compiled a list of a few of our favorites here. So, whether you're looking for a place to let loose this St. Patrick's Day, or you just want a quiet pint and a square meal, all of these establishments fit the bill.
Last Updated: March 12, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO
The Irish Bank
(3200 24th St // Mission)
Instagram: @thenappertandysf
Irish-owned and operated, The Napper Tandy - what a name! - has grub, a full bar, and that classic dive bar atmosphere. Head over early to nosh on a traditional Irish breakfast or corned beef hash and wash it all down afterward with a pint of Guinness.
(807 Lincoln Way // Inner Sunset)
Instagram: @thelittleshamrocksf
As the second oldest bar in the city, The Little Shamrock is most definitely a San Francisco institution. It’s got some of the lowest prices you can find and that cozy, living room vibe with mismatched furniture and board games aplenty. Grab a pint or an Irish coffee and go for a round of darts in the back room, or warm up by the fire on a cold day. Don’t forget to bring cash!
(10 Mark Ln // Financial District)
Instagram: @irishbank
Tucked away in its own little alley, The Irish Bank has that secluded, romantic atmosphere that’s difficult to find within the bustling blocks of downtown SF. Grab a seat on their charming alley patio and fight the fog with an Irish coffee. And be sure to visit on St. Patrick's Day when they throw their annual block party — with live bands, plenty of beer, and good times all around
Johnny Foley's Irish House
(243 O'Farrell St // Downtown)
Instagram: @johnnyfoleysirishhouse
Probably one of the most authentic Irish pubs in terms of decor and ambience, Johnny Foley’s is a favorite for its combination of food, drinks, and entertainment. They have a number of Irish and other European beers on tap, along with a solid selection of Irish whiskey. Pick your poison and resist boredom with their nightly performances, from dueling pianos to jazz.
(116 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Instagram: @theploughandstars
Get a taste of Ireland without leaving the states at this charming neighborhood joint on the main stretch of Clement Street. Though they're known for hosting live Celtic music, local rock bands are also welcome on the almost-nightly performance schedule. Expect the usual suspects like Jameson and Guinness.
(937 Cole St. // Cole Valley)
Instagram: @finneganswakesf
It's been said that Finnegans Wake by James Joyce is the most difficult book in the English language. But things are much more chill than all that at Finnegans Wake in Cole Valley. The former location of Maud's — a historic lesbian bar — Finnegans Wake was first opened in 1976 in Noe Valley, but moved to its current location on Cole Street in 1989. Try their award-winning Bloody Mary while unwinding in their quiet beer garden. They won't judge you for reading a pulp detective novel here.
EAST BAY
Bill McNally's Irish Pub
(5352 College Ave // Oakland)
Instagram: @billmcnallysirishpub
The first bar in Oakland to open after Prohibition ended in 1933, McNally’s holds a bevy of local history within its walls. Play bumper pool while you sip on a Smithwick Irish Ale, or take it up a notch with one of their various Irish whiskeys by the fire.
(131 Broadway // Oakland)
Instagram: @slainteoakland
For an authentic Irish pub and hospitality experience, you can't skip out on Sláinte. With both classic and modern cocktails, Irish hospitality, traditions, and food, you'll be calling this place home in no time.
(3101 Shattuck Ave // Berkeley)
Instagram: @thestarryploughpub
This pub and nightclub has been serving up grub, ales, and choice events since 1973. From Irish dancing to regular live music, you’re guaranteed a good time. This St. Patrick's Day, they are preparing for hungry revelers by stocking up on corned beef and cabbage.
The Legionnaire Saloon
(2272 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
Instagram: @legionnaire510
Long before the invention of modern-day karaoke, singing familiar songs at the top of your lungs over drinks with friends has been a proud Irish pub tradition. The Legionnaire Saloon in Oakland understands this primal urge, which is why they host karaoke every night of the week. Do your vocal exercises before you grab a pint — or not... Karaoke is always more fun when at least a few of the nights performers are certifiably tone deaf.
(1524 Civic Dr // Walnut Creek)
Instagram: @dansbarwc
Featuring pool tables, a jukebox, an outdoor patio for warm nights, and regular live performances from local artists and cover bands, Dan’s is a classic, no-nonsense pub for anyone wanting to kick back with a cold one.
SOUTH BAY + PENINSULA
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub
(25 N San Pedro St // San Jose)
Instagram: @oflatspub
Serving up traditional Irish comfort food and a large, rotating selection of beers on tap — from local brewers and Irish standards, like Guinness — O’Flaherty’s prides itself on serving up communal vibes and being the place to go when you want to watch your favorite soccer team. Located on the bustling San Pedro Square, it's the type of bar where you can spend an entire evening playing trivia, or stop in for a round while celebrating a night of bar-hopping with friends.
(344 Santana Row #1060 // San Jose)
Instagram: @rosies_events_sanjose
Shamrocks and shenanigans are always welcome at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub at Santana Row in San Jose. Chow down on standard pub fare and Irish classics over a boilermaker of stout and whiskey. They'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day for four full days this year — Mar. 14-17 — so you've got options.
Katie Bloom's Irish Pub
(369 E. Campbell Ave. // Campbell)
Instagram: @katiebloomsirishpub
Downtown Campbell has no shortage of watering holes, but when it comes to a traditional Irish pub on E. Campbell Ave., the choice is clear. Katie Bloom's will always welcome you with a pint and plate of warm food. Drinks, dancing, darts — they do it all.
(241 Castro St. // Mountain View)
Instagram: @mollymagees
With a big dance floor and regular DJ nights, Molly Magees is a South Bay party destination. Before the floor gets packed, you can play a game of pool or chill over a couple quiet pints on the patio. And when it comes to St. Patrick's Day revelry, the bar is ideally positioned — just a few doors down from St. Stephen's Green, the other Irish pub on downtown Mountain View's bustling Castro Street.
(223 Castro St. // Mountain View)
Instagram: @stephensgreen
If Molly Magees is the place to close out a big night in downtown Mountain View, this Irish pub on Castro Street is the place to get warmed up. You won't find DJs spinning Top 40 dance hits here, but you will be able to enjoy traditional Irish music every Tuesday and sample rare Irish whiskeys at one of their regular tasting events. This is also a great place to catch soccer and rugby matches over drinks.
(156 Murphy Ave. // Sunnyvale)
Instagram: @fibbarmagees
Fibbar MaGees shares some common traits with its Mountain View sister bar, Molly Magees. Good food, plenty to drink, and lively dance parties. They also lay claim to the "largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Silicon Valley." So there's that.
NORTH BAY
(464 1st St E, Suite C // Sonoma)
Instagram: @sonomapub
Hosting live music and serving cool, foamy Guinness are just two of this Irish pub's specialties. It's also a great place to catch a game and enjoy satisfying bar grub with friendly folks. For those with Irish blood who relish the opportunity to beat the Scots at their own game, Murphy's hosts an annual golf tournament. The next one is coming up on April 29, 2024.
(23 Petaluma Blvd. N. // Petaluma)
Instagram: @mcnearspetaluma
While there is a certain, Bukowski-ian appeal to drinking in a windowless strip mall dive, it's hard to beat the charm imbibing in a truly beautiful building. They truly do not build them like they used to! McNear's Saloon & Dining House — just next door to downtown Petaluma's historic Mystic Theatre is one such place. Eating, drinking, and shooting pool here gives you a sense of what it might have been like to have been alive during California's Gold Rush.
(877 Grant Ave // Novato)
Instagram: @finnegansmarin
Get your Irish fix without leaving the little ones behind at this family-friendly bar and restaurant. Whether you’re there for brunch, happy hour, or dinner, Finnegan’s has all the charms of Ireland and the drinks to match — plus a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy the lovely North Bay spring and summer months.
Written by Alex Killian and Nick Veronin
Did we miss your favorite pub? Let us know at [email protected]!
